About Us: History

About CEL

History

Founded in 1989 as a specialist lead roofing contractor, The CEL Group is committed in all its work to the standards of excellence shown by its predecessors.

Wellington Pier, Great Yarmouth

In 1992, with a clear view of its competitors and its markets, The CEL Group saw a gap in the market place for a third sandcast lead supplier. Although the additional facilities it developed were more modest than its competitors, they more than matched the quality of their products and services. With this broader base, the company was able to more successfully target and win ecclesiastical and heritage building projects.

Throughout the 1990s, as the company grew and continued to diversify, it developed a broader skill and service base which included the use of additional non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc and stainless steel. These materials were being heavily promoted at the time by European suppliers as an alternative to traditional British materials and it was important that The CEL Group embraced these trends.

As the decade progressed, The CEL Group decided to extend its commitment and presence in the ecclesiastical building sector. With the encouragement of the architectural practices with which it was working, The CEL Group became the principal contractor for its own projects, taking responsibility for the management of all the primary trades involved, including stonemasons, carpenters and slaters.

By 1998, having outgrown the existing base in Peterborough, The CEL Group acquired new, larger premises at the current site in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. The new premises not only allowed the company to expand but also meet the business needs of its growing client base.